In the mega clash of Om Shanti Om and Saawariya in 2007, debutante Deepika Padukone had emerged a clear box office-winner against first-timer Sonam Kapoor. Seven years later, the question is — will Deepika continue to remain a step ahead on the success ladder with Finding Fanny or will Sonam take a lead this time with Khoobsurat ?
Both the films are releasing within a week’s time this month.
Deepika’s film is releasing September 12, while Sonam’s new offering hits the screens September19 — and both actresses are going out of their way to ensure their movies are promoted in the best possible manner.
Finding Fanny , an English language entertainer by Indian filmmaker Homi Adajania, is definitely not a film that every actress will risk — especially after delivering four back-to-back Bollywood hits like Race 2 , Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani , Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela . But Deepika took it.
Nevertheless, one should give it to Sonam for choosing to step into the shoes of the enigmatic Rekha for Khoobsurat , the new age twist on the 1980 film Khubsoorat — one of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s evergreen films and which continues to have a dedicated fan following even after more than three decades.
Yet, it is Deepika who has managed to cement her place in Bollywood as a performer, better than Sonam, who has been more in news for her fashion sensibilities despite having the talent to carry out roles as different as in Aisha and Delhi—6 .
After getting a perfect launchpad with Om Shanti Om which turned out to be a huge hit, Deepika went on to prove her mettle with a mix of films like Bachna Ae Haseeno , Love Aaj Kal , Aarakshan and Cocktail . While the Bangalore girl had her share of flops her four recent back-to-back hits catapulted her into a league of her own.
Sonam, who made her debut with Ranbir in Saawariya , on the other hand, has few hits to boast of in her filmography. She bagged roles in biggies like Thank You , Mausam and Players , but all of them bit the dust. Her work in Raanjhanaa was appreciated, but in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag , her appearance was as good as a cameo.
Interestingly, her presence in tinsel town is strengthened more due to her fashionista image and her designer wardrobe.
Earlier this year, Sonam was seen in Bewakoofiyaan , which didn’t elicit the response she would’ve expected. Her hopes are high from Khoobsurat , which promises to show her in an exuberant and lively avatar. Another highlight of the film is that she is paired with Pakistani sensation Fawad Khan.
Meanwhile, Deepika is also hoping to strike gold yet again with the offbeat Finding Fanny .
But there’s no mean competition here — or so it seemed from the screening of Finding Fanny , where Deepika warmly welcomed Sonam.
